23 March 2026 23:00 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Source · Email X Link

European Commission says Australia and EU conclude trade and defence pacts

Key points

Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement concluded
Australia–EU Security and Defence Partnership concluded

TL;DR

Albanese and von der Leyen welcomed conclusion of the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement and the Security and Defence Partnership
They will take forward domestic processes required for signature and entry into force
Australia intends to commence negotiations to associate to Horizon Europe from 2027

Original text

European Commission - Statement Joint Statement by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission and Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia Brussels, 24 March 2026 The Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed the strength of the partnership between Australia and the European Union, underpinned by shared democratic values, respect for international law, and people ‑ to ‑ people, economic, scientific and strategic links. They emphasised that Australia and the European Union are trusted friends, working together to address economic resilience, security, climate change and environmental challenges. Prime Minister Albanese and President von der Leyen welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on the Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement in Canberra on 24 March 2026, and will now take forward their respective domestic processes required for signature and entry into force. This agreement will strengthen bilateral trade and investment, support economic growth, and reinforce the shared commitment of Australia and the European Union to open and rules-based trade. Prime Minister Albanese and President von der Leyen also welcomed the conclusion of the Australia- European Union Security and Defence Partnership, providing a framework for enhanced cooperation on shared security challenges, including defence industry cooperation, cyber and economic security, and counterterrorism. The partnership will strengthen shared resilience and deepen practical collaboration, building on existing ties between Australian and European industries and institutions. Prime Minister Albanese and President von der Leyen reaffirmed the importance of international research and innovation cooperation and welcomed Australia's intention to commence negotiations with a view to associating from 2027 to Horizon Europe, the European Union's flagship research and innovation programme. Cooperation under Horizon Europe would support collaboration on shared priorities, including critical and emerging technologies and climate and energy research, creating opportunities for Australian and European research and benefits for each economy. These pillars of cooperation recognise the value of a strong Australia-European Union partnership in addressing shared global challenges and supporting prosperity and security and allow for deepened engagement between Australia and the European Union. STATEMENT/26/691 Press contacts: Paula PINHO (+32 2 29 20815) Arianna PODESTA (+32 2 298 70 24) Olof GILL (+32 2 29 65966) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email Related documents Joint_statement_by_PM_Albanese_and_President_von_der_Leyen.pdf

European Commission says Australia and EU conclude trade and defence pacts

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